Tips for your (ICBC) Road Test / Driving Test

Sorry if this post has gradually gotten long and out of control. Just trying to help If drivers are properly trained and have sufficient experience driving then they will have no problem on the road test.Drivers are not marked using demerits anymore. They will fail automatically for doing something illegal (speeding) or unsafe (a pedestrian has to jump out of their way). Drivers don’t need to be perfect; they can make some mistakes but it shouldn’t be the same mistake over and over – the examiner will notice a pattern that needs to be corrected.Most student drivers I talk to seem to be worried about their parking. They’re worrying about the wrong things. You should know how to park, but you don’t have to be a pro at it. You’re allowed to make corrections, fix it/readjust it if it doesn’t work the first time. They’re not timing you and they’re not going to get out at the end and measure it to make sure it’s perfectly between the lines and perfectly straight. It’s more important that you have good observation skills when parking and you’re looking in the correct direction when reversing. If you’re a bit crooked when you’re done parking, that’s not going to hurt anybody, is it? Becoming good at parking can take many years of experience and examiners do not expect new drivers to be perfect: they expect you to be safe and legal. After all, driving instructors do not park perfectly every time either.If you insist on worrying about something, worry about your ability to safely turn left at a traffic light/busy intersection. Collisions happen most frequently at intersections. Probably one of the most important skills you will have as a driver is knowing how to properly navigate your intersection turns safely and confidently. Turning left incorrectly could absolutely have very devastating consequences. See this post for now to turn left at traffic lights

Here are some common mistakes I’ve seen people make on the road test & some tips:

Not completely stopping at the stop sign (California stop). You don’t have to stop, take out your stopwatch and count to 10 seconds or anything like that, but do make sure that you indeed fully & completely stopped moving! A lot of drivers in real life do not do a full and complete stop; they do a kind of, sort of, or almost, or pretend, kind of stop; try to avoid this bad habit.

Not stopping for a red light on a right turn. Many student drivers hear “you can turn right on a red light” and some don’t realize that you must stop first; you can’t just slow down and then turn. If your light is red, it means someone else has a green. If you do turn without stopping, it will be an automatic fail because red means stop; so if you don’t, technically you are in violation of the law. Yes, you may turn right on a red light if you stop first, and determine it is safe. But keep in mind, you do not have to turn right on a red light. It’s a red light, after all, isn’t it? See this post on how to turn right on a red light.Also, check out How to Turn Right at Green Lights.

Speeding: Driving 55 km/hr in a 50 km zone or Driving 40 km in a 30 km playground/school zone. If the speed limit is 30, drive 30, not 35 km/hr. Technically, going 31 km/hr in a 30 km zone is illegal and examiners will mark you accordingly (some examiners are more strict than others). Do not keep up with speeding traffic flow. I don’t really like how strict they are because I would rather new drivers not be so paranoid about their speed they feel like they have to stare at their speedometer the whole time, but knowing the speed limit of course is a must. If you have sufficient experience, you should be able to tell what 50 “feels like” without looking. You must show the examiner that you know what the speed limit is and are willing to accept and obey it regardless of the behaviour of other traffic.Read about school and playground zones here.

Not enough shoulder checks and/or unnecessary slowing or stopping especially on right turns: check out This post on turning right without stop signs.You must shoulder check every time before you pull over/pull into traffic, before lane changing and merging, and before you turn right (sometimes 2 shoulder checks are required before right turns). Even if you know there’s nothing there, you must still shoulder check. These checks are to ensure there are no vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, or cyclists, or any other road user in your blind spot before you turn. Even if you are 99% sure there is nothing there, you must show the examiner that you are actively looking for road users who may be in the blind spot. Do not stop for no reason!

Use the parking brake every time you park. Try not to be so nervous that you drive down the road for a while with the parking brake on! This seems to happen from time to time. Many people don’t use the parking brake. You should use it because sometimes mechanical failure can occur (the transmission can slip into neutral, and the car may start rolling away by itself if parked on any sort of incline). If you’ve used the parking brake, it will act as a backup plan. Keep in mind, transmissions are meant for changing gears, not holding thousands of pounds in place on hills. Parking brakes are connected to brake cables on the rear tires (usually), their whole purpose in life is to hold the vehicle in place. When hill parking, you do not have to ensure the tire actually touches the curb, but you should turn the wheels the appropriate direction; and do not just turn the wheel a bit; it should be turned all the way. See this post for how to park on hills.

Avoid being too cautious. Yes, you can fail for driving like a granny! Examiners want to see a confident and competent driver, not a bag of nerves that drives 20 km/hr under the speed limit and slows down for no reason at every intersection! Of course, people are nervous on road tests and examiners know this. Just try not to be so nervous that you stop where you’re not supposed to, drive way too slowly, or do strange things that you wouldn’t otherwise do! Remember to breathe; this helps a lot.

Drive for conditions: this means if it’s snowing and you’re on a side-street, residential area, and there are small children running around in the middle of the road 1/2 block in front of you chasing each other in circles and you’re driving 50 km/hr, this type of thing may be considered TOO FAST even though yes, this is the legal maximum speed limit (yes you could be failed for driving too fast for conditions). You should always decide what the safe speed is based on conditions. If it’s a beautiful day and you’re on a main street, and you are driving 40 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone “Just to be careful,” and there is a line of 50 cars behind you all freaking out because you’re not even going the speed limit – Don’t do that! It is TOO SLOW! Show the examiner that you are an intelligent being capable of making appropriate decisions based on the conditions you encounter. The same thing goes for strange situations that you were never taught about on your driving lessons. If you don’t know what to do, think about it. What would be the best, most safe, option?

Pedestrian conflicts: Examiners want to see that you’re willing to help pedestrians, not fight with them over the available space. This means if you aren’t sure if there’s enough time to go before a pedestrian, you should wait patiently rather than trying to beat them or cutting them off, or driving so close to them that you give them a heart attack. You should stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks (any intersection without white crosswalk lines). Sometimes pedestrians are unpredictable and cross where they aren’t supposed to. If you aren’t sure what to do, try to think of what the safest option is.

Pedestrian conflicts with jaywalking or illegally crossing pedestrians. Say you’re turning left at a traffic light and you’re waiting in the intersection because there’s a lot of traffic. Then the light goes yellow. You start to turn, but you see there’s a pedestrian starting to walk across the road where he shouldn’t. In this case, you should start to exit the intersection and honk at the pedestrian, asking him to hurry up and get out of the way. Student drivers often don’t know what to do in this situation and they may fail the road test for not dealing with it properly. Many will hesitate inside the intersection after the light has gone yellow and wait patiently for the pedestrian. However, if the light is yellow/red by that point, that pedestrian has no right to be there and while you can’t run him over, you should be starting to leave the intersection and alerting him.

Steering issues: one hand on the wheel, hooking or palming the wheel, or improper use of the steering wheel when turning. See this post for more info.*Note: ICBC driver examiners do not care if you dry steer on the road test. However, if you do this habitually, your power steering components may wear prematurely and you may end up with costly repair bills. Learn about dry steering here.Use hand over hand, or shuffle steering (either one is fine; the most important thing is that you are controlling the vehicle). You must use two hands on the wheel at all times, the exception being when you are reversing in a straight line (If you’re driving standard, just make sure to put your hand back on the wheel once you’re done shifting gears every time. Also, I got a lot of questions about if you can take your hand off for a moment to scratch something or move your hair out of your eyes – yes, you are allowed to be human!!)

Observation issues: not noticing yellow lights, not noticing pedestrians, not noticing playground/school zones, or not noticing turning restriction signs and turning against them (i.e. right turn on red light with turning restriction). If you have these issues, you may need more practice/experience.

Did you know that you’re supposed to stop completely and treat as you have a stop sign, before exiting a parking lot, lane (back alley) or driveway? This may cover the part where you leave the parking lot at the beginning of the road test. Emerging from a lane, driveway, or parking lot.

Lack of Scanning: You should be doing a left to right scan of intersections before you go through them, especially at 4-way stops, approaching traffic circle/roundabout and when you’re stopped at a red light and it changes to green. Don’t just go through intersections without looking. Don’t make the foolish assumption that just because there’s a stop sign or red light for the other drivers, that they’re actually going to stop and it’s safe for you to proceed through. Make it obvious on the road test that you are doing a good scan. Turn your head and take a good look in each direction. Is it actually safe to go? Don’t just use the corner of your eyes because from the examiner’s point of view it looks like you aren’t looking at all. Also if you’re going past some train tracks, even if they don’t have any stop sign or lights or anything, you should still scan and look for a possible train. There probably isn’t one coming, but if you fight with one you will lose. This actually happened to me one dark night in Delta. There were no flashing lights or stop sign activated and there was a train coming very close to me. If I had not done a scan I might have been smooshed. Sometimes the power goes out and the train keeps going despite not having any lights. See this post on how to scan intersections.

Illegal lane changing: it’s illegal to lane change over a solid white line and while it’s not illegal tochange lanes in an intersection, it is definitely frowned upon if not dangerous.

Merging on the freeway: You’re allowed to speed up to the speed limit that is on the freeway when you are driving on the acceleration ramp that leads onto the freeway. Normally when your car passes the sign that says “If your vehicle can not do 60 km/hr, stay off the freeway,”, then that is considered the freeway ramp, which does not actually have a speed limit. Just make sure you aren’t speeding up too early while you’re still in the 50 km/hr zone. Match the flow of the traffic but do not go faster than the speed limit. In other words, you generally do not want to merge onto the freeway at 60 km/hr (in good conditions) when the speed limit on the freeway is 90 km/hr. (This would be covered above where it says Do not drive like a Granny.) Also, when you leave the freeway, generally you should not slow down while you’re still on it. Wait until your vehicle is positively, fully and completely off the freeway and on the exit ramp Before you slow down, so that vehicles behind aren’t forced to slow down if they aren’t leaving. Technically, these exit ramps do not have a speed limit either, and that yellow exit speed sign you see – since it’s a yellow sign – is a suggestion/recommendation; so you do not and should not normally have to slam on the brakes to get to that recommendation, you can slow down artfully or gradually. ***** You do not have to merge onto the highway/freeway if you have your “L” and going for your “N” but you may (most likely) have to merge onto the freeway/highway if you are going for your Class 5 full license.*****

Know how to deal with Emergency Vehicles properly – I have seen people fail road tests that would have otherwise been perfect because they either panicked or they didn’t act accordingly when an emergency vehicle was approaching. New drivers don’t have experience with this and it is a strange skill to practice for obvious reasons, so be sure to read up on it as much as you can and be aware of your surroundings. Part of it is noticing the emergency vehicle (if it is coming up behind you and you have no clue because you never check your mirrors, then that’s a problem the examiner won’t be able to help but notice); the other part is acting the proper way.Check out this post to learn about it here.

There is a LOT of info on this website. Use the SEARCH Function if you’re looking for something specific!

Practice DRIVING – a LOT! (Duh) If you’re having issues, get some lessons if you can.

Don’t just drive to work/school/dance/soccer/whatever.Being a good driver is not about memorizing a route and then going on autopilot, it is about learning the necessary skills so that you can drive anywhere, especially unfamiliar areas, with confidence and with ease. One of the worst things you can do (aside from not practicing at all) is to drive the same roads all the time. Go the long way home, challenge yourself, and get lost – it may be one of the best things you can do to improve your driving.

*** About 50% of people who go for the Class 7 road test (“L” drivers hoping to pass the road test to get their “N”) actually pass the test. Getting an assessment driving lesson from an experienced instructor at a reputable driving school before going is highly recommended.***

Q: Can you fail your road test for not turning right on a red light?

Here’s some tips from ICBC:

Carmen became a driving instructor at the age of 22 and has spent many years working with a vast array of drivers. She can be found reading the Motor Vehicle Act for fun while receiving strange looks from others. May the quest for great driving continue!

Like this:

I’m getting very frustrated because I’ve just failed for the 3rd time. I am in a position where I have noone to practice with, so I’ve been buying lessons from YD. This was great to teach me, but I’m at the point where I need to practice more, and I just don’t have that option. Other than paying a school for lessons, or buying a car and paying someone to sit there while i drive (I don’t know anyone who’ll do it right now), are there any other options?
I looked into car co-ops but noone will let me join until I am an N. No car rental company will rent to me (I do understand why).
I feel like its a real Catch 22; I can’t rent or drive until I have at least the N, but I can’t get the N through lessons with YD alone.
My question is, is there anything else I can do?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Unfortunately a lot of people have this problem. Would it be an option to find a different driving school that wasn’t as expensive? Or to meet some new people that you could perhaps trade driving practice for some service like babysitting or ?? One thing for certain is you do need the practice. If there’s a will there’s way!

Denise

I failed the test the last minute due to left turn failure. I wonder if this is a negotiable move or not. I moved to the behind of the second white line front of me when the green light was on, I didn’t place the car in the intersection for the left turn. Oncoming traffic was very busy and when the light turned to amber there was a car turning right into the lane I was planing to turn to. Then I missed the light with a second and it turned red. Examiner warned me to move forward but it was too late, because I wasn’t inside the intersection and traffic could flow through. This caused me to fail. I am confused about this because I still think technically I wasn’t in the way and didn’t pass on the red light either. I am aware the rules but I also wonder what else could have been done ?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Are you saying you stayed behind the white line (or your front bumper was still behind the crosswalk lines) until the light went yellow and then you turned from that position, you went after the right-turning vehicle?

denizca

I was the first car waiting to turn left. My front bumper was behind the white line. When the light was green I moved into the crosswalk but didn’t pass the second white line. Because of the oncoming traffic I waited for a safe gap to turn left. But I couldn’t do my turn due to that right turning vehicle the last minute. Right turning vehicle made its turn when the light turned from yellow to red for me. So I missed the light. And my car was behind the white line still so the traffic lanes wasn’t blocked when the light turned green to them. Naturally, cars started to move and they didn’t give me the turning right.
I made my turn with the second lights.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Oh Ok I see. Next time what you have to do is move your car more forward into the intersection and then you have to leave the intersection (complete your turn) as soon as it’s safe and as quickly as possible (and that may be when the light is green, yellow, or red, before or after the right-turning car depending on whether the right turning car is stopping or not when it’s yellow – he’s supposed to). You can also take your foot from the brake pedal when the light goes yellow to prepare. If your car is rolling forward just a bit it tells the other car you are planning to go.

What you did was not enter the intersection and you didn’t turn, so you showed the examiner in busy traffic you would just sit there all day lol

Yes it definitely does. He advised me the same thing. To move my car a bit forward. I was hesitant to do that in the exam as previously when I was in a road test another examiner had mentioned me to move my car to the second line not into the intersection. But it was a year ago. So I was confused if this was a driving test thing. But I may as well be too further into the intersection that time I can’t remember. I had to clear the intersection for a left turn again.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Oh ya Sorry!! It is confusing. Some people tell the new driver a certain line because it works as a guideline. But what is the law is that if you don’t enter the intersection when ti’s green then you aren’t allowed to leave when it’s yellow. But what you should do is enter it and then leave it. So to define “entering the intersection” is difficult because each intersection is not the same size/shape as the next one… you don’t want to go too far forward or not far enough into it. Just try to move forward so that when you turn you have a nice and easy and normal looking, short and efficient and easy turn. Hope that helps …

Matt

do you have driving school? just wondering

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

No! But I do think about it, One day I might like to have my own. A lot of people ask me for lessons and I tell them I’m currently Retired! lol I have my instructor license but I’m not teaching at the moment..

jayjay

if there is a yield sign esp in turning right, do we have to stop even without pedestrian? please help. thank you.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Like this? Yield means you have to let the other vehicles go first IF they are there. If there are no pedestrians, bikes, road users of any kind or vehicles then NO you do not have to stop … sometimes you have to almost stop because you have zero visibility and you do have to be going at a speed that you are prepared to stop IF you see vehicles/pedestrians. but there will be other intersections where you can see just fine that there is nothing there in which case you may be able to continue at full speed or by slowing down only a bit…

jayjay

Thank you very much… will be taking my road test soon, this is a big help. more power!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

No problem & All the best!!

Niz

Thank you so much! You are the reason thousands of us new drivers pass, you are really making a difference and I am very appreciative of your efforts!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

i am so glad i helped

Niz

One more thing, say I’m coming to a intersection and making a right turn on red. After stopping at the stop line can I slowly start to creep forward? Can I slowly start to turn the car to the right? Or must I stay behind the stop line until I make the turn? What if I can’t see traffic when I’m trying to make a right and the only way to get a view is to creep up just a little bit past the stop line?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

See new post on front page..

Niz

Great thank you!

Niz

Also I was wondering if I had to come to a complete stop when making a left or right turn “right specifically” when I have a green light at a intersection? Or Would I just need to slow down, signal, scan the intersection, Check mirror, and shoulder check then go?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Normally you just stop/yield for pedestrians if you have a green light,.. or a left-turning car that is going when he isn’t supposed to and you have to stop to avoid a collision! Otherwise do not stop if there’s no good reason!!!

I was wondering if I could re-adjust my mirrors to help me parallel park easier during the N road test, they are electronically controlled so no need to roll down the window and push. I think if ur allowed to use parking sensors and back up cameras this should be the low tech alternative? Is it possible for me to do so? I don’t want to scrape the curb during my test!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Yes i think that’s fine. People do that in real life all the time. Just consider the point in time that you stop to adjust them. Times goes by then.. so before you back up again you may need another 360 check etc.

tony

For Class 5 Merging on the freeway: What is the highway ramp? Is it the ramp that I can see the 80km/hr sign but I am still in the 50/km zone?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Usually you pass a sign that says ‘Vehicles not capable of going 60km/hr must not go on the freeway’ or something like that. after that point, you can speed up. Before that point, it is likely 50 km/hr.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

see

disqus_ZRDFQK5wTU

Often when I am merging I have to go a bit over the 80km to get on the highway…because of course everyone else is doing 90-100km. Will this be an instant fail on my Class 5 test?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Yep… This is an unfortunate circumstance, but yes examiners will fail driver for going more than the speed limit on the road test, even though it seems in real life like it is so much safer to simply adjust your speed to match the traffic flow. On the road test, just do your best and try to make your move as smoothly and safely as possible despite speeding traffic.

disqus_ZRDFQK5wTU

Thanks. Also the ramp to the highway near the examining office doesn’t have a sign about speed limit. How do I know what the speed limit is if it isn’t posted? Is it still 50km til you get to the actual merging lane?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

It is not always obvious. Which ramp entrance is this you speak of??! It is 50 km/hr unless otherwise posted, however the ramp to the freeway technically has no speed limit.

disqus_ZRDFQK5wTU

Its the one off McKenzie ave in Victoria BC…thank you for your help! I’m kind o. Nervous about the whole merging thing for my class 5 test .

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

It looks to me like as soon as you turn off of McKenzie then you are on the ramp/acceleration lane and can speed up to match traffic (or up to speed limit and depending on conditions). They just want to see a safe, smooth and confident merge… !!

disqus_ZRDFQK5wTU

Its the ramp to the highway off McKenzie Ave in Victoria BC. Thanks so much for your help…Im kind of nervous about merging on my class 5 test :0)

disqus_ZRDFQK5wTU

McKenzie Ave in Victoria BC . Ramp onto Hwy 17.

Jackie Ye

FOR STOPPED TURN:
I have gone through three different driving instructors. And they all have different methods of turning right.

-I kept my car straight with 1 meter away from the curb, and I turned when my bumper reached the intersection, but I was told that I turned too fast…which I disagree.
-I was told that I had to turn my car to the edge of the intersection at 45 degrees, then turn at A WALKING SPEED(5 km/h – 10 km/h). I was not supposed to accelerate during the turn, only coast with the walking speed. Then accelerate when the turn is finished( wheel straight).

So now I am confused as hell.
The way I feel comfortable is keeping my car completely straight for most of the intersections and once safe to go, I accelerate steadily to the speed limit. During turn speed : 0 -> 10 -> 20, wheel straight: 20 -> 35…

WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY AND SPEED TO TURN?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Is it a right turn at a stop sign?

Jackie Ye

Stop sign and red light.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Can you wait a few days,..? I can make you an answer. It is a long answer and also it is a difficult thing to learn and to teach, so try not to be too mad at the instructor! Most people when they turn they just do it, kinda wit their eyes closed –> they don’t even know what they’re doing, so to try and explain and teach it can be quite a challenge. Maybe I can make a Video that will help.

Jackie Ye

Sure. Take your time. Thanks for replying!

Thanks,
Jackie

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

I haven’t forgotten your question! Just letting you know

Jackie Ye

Thank you for being so active to maintain the website! I truely appreciate your hard work! Thanks again.

Jackie

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

No worries,! I may not be able to make a video until next weekend, but I can start working on the article. Is this a problem for right turns only, or also left turns as well? So the main issues are 1) What speed should you be going and 2) the position of the vehicle, correct? Seriously thanks for giving me a fresh idea!! It’s a good one too!

Jackie Ye

Yep. And left turn too. I feel like the uncontrolled intersection is just intersection with Yield sign. The straight-through car always gets the right of way unless far away enough for you to speed up without burning your engine…

Even when the car that is turning has arrived first to the intersection(10 m distance, and the approaching car has the kind of situation like rushing the yellow light with that distance), the turning car always stops/slows down to wait. But in the handbook, it says it whoever is first gets to go! So, in this case, the turning car should be turning with the appropriate speed and the oncoming car should be slowino down!

I know not everyone follows the laws and rules of driving… (with everyone speeding every second…WHICH IS THE ROOT OF ALL ACCIDENTS.) but at least make the rules easy to understand.

I made a right turn video of some turns that I did. Don’t know if it will help. This is the actual speed I went (video is not sped up or slow down).http://youtu.be/OuKjyndjpyg
I’m going to make you a turning video on the weekend anyway!

Jackie Ye

Thank you for that. I look forward to it!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

I am not sure how to make a video about this yet but I wrote you something on the main page. Maybe I need one of those dash cam that has the speed displayed! Let me know if it made any sense. You have a good point about the uncontrolled intersections as well. I will have to do something about it too. happy practicing, in the meantime

Hopeful

What exactly will the Class 5 Road Test entail? Will there be parking involved as well or just driving?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Driving through intersections, turning left and right​, Angle parking ​Pulling out into traffic​, Parallel parking​, Pulling over and stopping at the side of the road, Stall parking (driving forward and backing up into a stall) Changing lanes, Two and three point turns​, Parking on a hill​, Merging on and off a highway​, Starting on a hill​, General driving (e.g., driving straight, driving on hills and curves) ​Backing up​, Knowing what to do around emergency vehicles​

No, they will give you the exact same test..(make sure you’re confident on hills, etc!)

Chelsea MD

If it’s raining is there a certain limit I have to go … is 45km /h okay? Or do I still do the postep limit

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

the posted speed is the MAX for IDEAL conditions!! So go whatever speed is appropriate and Safe for the conditions, that may be 45 or 30 or even 20 in certain cases (snow, ice?)

Emily

Hi! Thank you for the tips! I’m taking my test on Friday. and I’m freaking out a little. Reading this post has helped me a lot… I’m feeling a little more confident. Let’s hope for the best!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

you’re very welcome! let me know how it goes, Try not to freak out too much!

Laura

Hi, I’ll be taking a road test soon and I wanted to ask what’s the policy around two feet driving? I’ve drove for 15 years and always used my left foot to brake. I first learned driving on a standard car, as well as I’m left-handed so maybe that’s why I’ve always been more comfortable using my left foot to brake. Anyways, I’ve never pushed both pedals at the same time nor have I had any problem with that. I’m exchanging my international drivers licence for a BC one, and I was wondering if I tell the examiner in advance about this, would they still allow me to take the test. I know I won’t make any mistake with the pedals, maybe other things but not that. It’d be very unfortunate if not, because it’s not natural to me. Thanks for the advice!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

You can ask them before the test just to double check but in my personal experience with this I find that they will fail anyone that does this. You may need to start practicing with using one foot only!

Qbert

Is there a set amount of time, max amount of time that a class 5 test can take or do they just keep you going until they see enough to either fail you or pass you?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

I think they do the whole test either way, because you have to pay for it before, so you may as well get your money’s worth and do the entire thing so that you can get the entire feedback at the end. So even if you fail in the first 5 minutes you probably won’t hear about it until the very end after you park!

Ella

My class 7N test is on Monday and I’ve read all the posts on this blog. I’ve been taking 2 hour lessons every week with an instructor since May – here’s hoping I pass on the first attempt! Thanks so much for this blog, it’s such a great resource

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

You are welcome! All the best, let us know how it goes

Ella

Ahh I failed I did well on everything, had pretty much a clean sheet, but during one of the last left turns at an intersection I had a brain fart and failed to yield to oncoming traffic so my examiner had to use the brakes. I was pretty proud of my performance though other than that (my parallel parking was beautiful! not to brag haha) and am happy that this happened while someone else was in the car and not when driving by myself had I passed the test. There’s definitely no room for mistakes like that. But at least I know what to expect on the test and I’ll have more experience driving for my second try just keeping positive now. My second attempt is in two months!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Great to hear you learned from the experience and are keeping a positive outlook. All the best!

Jay Cee

if i get a panic attack or something, am i allowed to pull over for a min, and will it effect my result?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

I am not too sure about that

Ragavendra Nagraj

I have my Class 5 tomorrow at Langley, I haven’t driven there before. This would be my 3rd class 5 road test. I am not sure if I would pass this time as well :p . First time I had a very rigorous test in Burnaby and did almost everything. Once I entered into a wrong way of a 2 way with intersection as I couldn’t see the correct way driving uphill and once I turned right after rolling stop of a red light. During my 2nd test in Burnaby again, I failed after doing a right turn and I avoided using the immediate right lane as I saw some triangle and assumed it to be reserved for bikes and later entered it. Not sure on what to prepare this time apart from the already made mistakes. I didn’t have to give my N as immigrated to Canada with a driver license from my country ….. I am being totally humiliated by my friends, relatives, colleagues for using public transit and not having a car …………

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Hmm sorry to hear this. It sounds like you could use a brush-up driving lesson or two. A few driving lessons can go a long way to get a lot of those details clear.

Ragavendra Nagraj

haa, I failed this time too after about 2 lessons. Changing lane missed vehicle in blind spot (vehicle in grey, just like cloud) when descending right turn down the road even after shoulder check and I had to change to left center lane. Wow how often can that happen, God? Missed the 50 speed marker and slowed to it late from 70. It is so unbelievable. I am sure most of those people with Class5 will fail the test ……

ConcernedCitizen

I think they are failing you for a reason. I’m not trying to be harsh, but with all the mistake you are saying that you made, it is not safe fo you to be driving on the road. The only way to truly pass the test, is understanding how to drive. Looks like you may need some more classes, if you didn’t pass. Good luck!

Ragavendra Nagraj

correct, that’s the problem. I am not safe to be driving on the road and so is many on the road with the drivers license. Honestly nobody is a safe driver, and the word safe never has the same meaning. I agree I need practise but getting practise doesn’t come easy. I am being tested for class 5 same as the people with N are tested for. People with N can drive by themselves but not me and I have to take paid lessons. It is not easy for Canadian new comers with no immediate family members here to get easy or free practise. The instructor told me that I should have taken L instead of showing my country’s license and preparing for class 5 road test and he recommends to other new comers about this. I had already got my intermediate license before approaching him for lessons. Besides it was in news too long time ago that BC road test is one of the toughest and I assume that this attempt the road test was tougher than my first attempt. I have rode on bikes to work here and have witnessed how easily I could have got hit too.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

sorry to hear that is so frustrating…

Ragavendra Nagraj

no worries, thank you guys for all the valuable inputs, help and information. Hopefully one day soon I’ll pass the road test and let you guys know about it …. ……

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

yea for sure let us know. also just keep trying, never give up and keep looking around to find someone that you can drive with!

Grant

Thanks for all the great resources on your site! I’m going for my class 5 soon and one thing that isn’t super clear from icbc is the vehicle safety requirements. I always feel safe in my truck but the fact they say no cracks in your windshield makes me want to double check. I have a bit of play in my steering wheel (maybe 10° or so), are they likely to cancel the test from this or is it OK (it is an old truck)?
Thanks

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Hi! I’m not sure but I don’t think that would be a big deal as long as the truck is safe and you are able to drive it normally despite the play. If you are weaving all over the lane because you can’t control it then that’s a different story (I drive a ’65 so I know what you are talking about lol) http://drivinginstructorblog.com/is-your-vehicle-ready-for-the-road-test/

Hellawack Shiznit

Going for my Class 5 today! Thanks for the advice!

Sajid

Hi,
Just want to share my experience. Had a class 5 test yesterday, passed!!!
Drove for over 30 minutes. This test is not only about demonstrating the procedures, it is also a test of concentration and nerves. I was quite confident initial 20 minutes but then I felt stress taking over and I think I made a couple of minor mistakes too.

My advice is before going for the test, get a instructor and ask him to do a mock road test in a very serious mood. No chatting along.

Another thing, google and download the ‘Tuneup’ guide. It has step by step procedures for all maneuvers, excellent resource.

Good luck to all.

Sajid

http://www.sprint-driving.com Igor Isaev

very nice blog and a lot of good tips, especially for the young drivers.
I am trying to post some information too and hope people will find it useful.http://blog.sprint-driving.com

You always have to stop if the light is red.
If the light is green, then you do not necessarily have to stop but you do need to yield to pedestrians (and shoulder check) before you turn.

David

During my N test, when I parallel park, do i need to put one hand on the back of the passenger seat and one hand on the wheel as i look back OR can i put both hands on the steering wheel and just watch the mirrors?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

You can only have one hand on the wheel when you are backing in a straight line. If you’re steering, then you need 2 hands on the wheel and look over the right shoulder and also use the mirrors, but don’t just only use the mirrors because there are blind spots, so best to use a combination.

Amber

Hi there,
I was just wondering if you knew of any special requirements for the Class 4, restricted, road test? I’ve passed the knowledge test, and I have heard that there will be a pre-trip inspection, but I don’t really know much else.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Did you get the book for driving commercial vehicles? the info is in there. or you could take some driving lessons to learn it.

Brandon Anderson

Hi there, I’m taking my N test this Friday. I have a quick question about reverse parking! Say if I back into my spot and I’m a bit out of place, so I pull back out to straighten my parking job and then back in… Will that cause a deduction of marks?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

No it won’t, That is totally fine, people do that in real life all the time, just be sure to do another 360 check before you back up and look over your shoulder when reversing, etc. Happy road test to you as well!!

Andrei

This was incredibly helpful and I’m beyond delighted to have come across your blog.
Just a quick question, am i allowed to adjust my side mirrors when I’m reverse parking into the bay? Thank you for your help.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

I don’t see why not.

Sharon

Can I fail the test/lose a lot of marks if I brake when I make a few turns?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Not sure what you mean.

Ash

I wonder if there is any difference between the Class 7 and Class 5 road test? I’m taking the Class 7 one in a month, but people told me they won’t test me for highway merge since it’s Class 7. Is it true? Thanks for answering! (Btw, I love your blog and your youtube videos, they are such a good source for BC driving tips!)

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Thanks;) Yes this is true. It makes no sense to me, since you can then drive onto the freeway all by yourself with your N having zero freeway experience. But ya. They are pretty similar tests. Just the people taking the 7 are new at driving and the people taking the 5 are not as new and may have developed ‘bad habits’ over the years.

Alexa

So the easy answer when they ask you how do you park uphill would be turn your steering wheel towards the curb and then put the emergency break?

After you pass your N test, do you get your hard copy of your driver’s license of the day of or does do they mail it to you?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

no you get the paper one until you get the real one in the mail, it is pretty quick though

Jane

If I were to drive alone on that same day, would that paper copy be valid as a temporary license?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Yep it is all good. You just won’t have that piece of Photo ID in case you need Photo ID for some other reason… But the paper is a perfectly valid license to drive with until you get your proper one.

Jane

sorry just a random question, when do you do 360 degree checks besides reversing?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Just before reversing is good. For all other maneuvers you can just do shoulder checks..

David

Do they test you during your N test by making you drive on the highway? Mine is in a week and I’m nervous if they do cause I’ve no experience on the highway yet.

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

No you don’t go on the highway to get your “N” But you go on when you’re about to get your class 5.

Sherri

Will I lose marks for driving below 50 km/h in residential areas?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Not automatically/necessarily. it depends on the conditions/circumstances. driving at 50 may be too fast indeed. not all ‘residential areas’ are equal, though. 40 makes more sense in a lot of cases especially if it’s a narrow road or has a lot of pedestrians/children.

Thank you so much for this! My test is today and it was a fantastic review of everything ! Its hard to read the manual over again but this really helped with some of the key important things I wasn’t too sure about

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

you’re welcome. how did it go?!

Tyler

Hi there,
First of all let me say that i love this site and it is very helpful
My N test is on July 4 in Abbotsford, BC. I am very nervous. I have taken lessons but i still feel like i will fail even though i know i am a good driver.
I have a few questions.
1) Do you know the Abbotsford route?
2) Do you know what automatic fails are
and
3) What are the examiners very picky about?

Thank you so much

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

Hey, Thanks so much, glad it’s helpful to you! No I don’t know the route and I do not believe in people learning routes. After a drive can drive by himself he will never learn and practice any route before driving and he may drive alone across the entire country and USA as well and will never be able to practice the route beforehand. He must be able to drive correctly and safely on the fly on roads and intersections he has never before seen in his entire life and must be able to navigate them proficiently based on his knowledge and skill as a driver. This is why it is good to practice driving on roads you’ve never gone on before and also why people learning the road test route beforehand makes me nervous!
You either know what you’re doing or you don’t. Learning a driving route before a driving test will only set you up for disaster should you pass based on memorization and then drive somewhere by yourself the following day really having no clue what you are doing.

Automatic fail will be for something dangerous or illegal. So, speeding is illegal (i.e. 35 in a 30 zone or 55 in a 50 zone). Changing lanes across a solid white line is illegal. Not completely stopping for a red light when you’re turning right is illegal. Not noticing a pedestrian and the pedestrian has to jump out of the way of your car in order to not get run over is Dangerous. Not shoulder checking on a lane change and almost lane changing into another vehicle is dangerous.

Examiners are picking about pretty much everything.. lol Try to relax though!! All the best,

Alicia Tuzzi

great help! Is there places other than icbc that i can take my N test?

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

No not unless you move to Alberta

Ehende02

Thank you!!

http://drivinginstructorblog.com BCDrivingBlog

oh you’re welcome! there used to be so many comments on this post then they all got erased when I had comment system issues..! lol

http://drivinginstructorblog.com Carmen C.

Hi Elisa, Congratulations, Enjoy your new license! Glad it helped…

Elisa

Hi there , I passed my road test today I am sure without your blog I couldn’t feel confident and prepped. Was great trips… Thank you so much xxxx

Yeah, the granny driving is the bane of my existence. I’m planning on retaking my Class 7N test next month because I failed my previous driving test. The reason for this was being so nervous. At the T intersection, I was on the left lane (going into the main road), which is a left turn lane. For some reason, I froze up and waited for the examiner’s orders on whether to turn left or right… the examiner ended up telling me “ummm… what are you doing? You can go now.” She was a bit harsh, but now I totally understand where I failed miserably. Here’s my tip, be confident. Know that you have practiced enough to be able to do well. It may be counterintuitive to drive into an intersection where cars are going at 50km/h (It’s definitely primal instinct to be nervous about potentially dangerous situations), but you should remember that as long as you are fully immersed, you know the right of way, you follow the rules of the road, and are responsive during your driving test you will be fine. All the best to those who are taking their driving exams. Stay safe.

http://www.achievedrivingschool.ca Mike

Hi Mark. If you plan to take a brush up lesson or two before the test ask your instructor to limit his/her coaching during this time. They should encourage you to make decisions on your own and if you make a mistake they should pointed out after. When I teach I ask my students about scenarios they are about to encounter to ensure they understand the proper way. For example if we parallel park, when stopped, and I know next turn to the right will have a right turn only lane, i will ask if told to go straight what they need to do!

Anonymous

Oh yeah, watch the granny driving!

Anonymous

This was super helpful, wish I had read it before my test. Granny driving is a true curse.

Fred Meyer

This is BS. It doesn’t matter how well you drive, the mood of the tester is what counts! How can you fail for checking your blind spot too carefully or resting your your Elbow on the armrest. Totally random stuff!